On the latest episode of the “Mind The Game” podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash shared a story about the moment he knew his playing career was over… and it came at the hands of Stephen Curry.
Joined by co-host LeBron James and guest Stephen Curry, Nash opened the episode with a personal anecdote from the 2014 NBA preseason. At the time, Nash was entering his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, battling chronic back issues and nerve damage that had plagued him for years. But it wasn’t just his body that told him it was time, it was Curry’s relentless energy on the court.
Nash recalled a preseason matchup between the Lakers and Warriors. Though it was just an exhibition, Curry’s performance was anything but casual. Golden State exploded for a 39–13 first quarter, and Nash found himself struggling to keep up.
“I’m guarding Steph… he’s running everywhere. I’m like, back is broke,” Nash said. “I couldn’t stop him if I was 100 percent. I’m like dragging around.”
The moment was sobering. Nash had spent the previous two years pushing through double workouts and rehab sessions just to stay functional. But facing Curry, who was on the cusp of redefining the point guard position, made Nash realize his instincts and body were no longer aligned.
“You might know this, but you deserve a little bit of putting me out to pasture,” Nash told Curry during the podcast. “It’s not something I like to talk about in public a lot.”
Steve Nash says Steph Curry is responsible for his retirement 💀
“I’m guarding Steph… he’s running everywhere, I’m like back is broke… I’m dragging around… 3 or 4 days thinking on it and I’m like yeah it’s time.”
(Via @mindthegamepod)pic.twitter.com/pksADwaPJB
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 5, 2025
LeBron James, who co-hosts the podcast with Nash, called it a “Mind The Game exclusive,” acknowledging the significance of Nash’s admission.
Curry, now a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, responded with humility and respect, noting how surreal it was to hear that his play had influenced the end of a legend’s career.
Nash officially retired in March 2015 after playing 19 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks before finishing with the Lakers. He was a two-time MVP and one of the most creative playmakers in league history.
